Page 9 of Unexpected Adventures

“I really should have something to eat. This is already going straight to my head, and I think I’m supposed to drive back to Denise’s tonight.”

“No worries,” Sherri starts. “If you need to, you and Denise are free to stay the night.”

“That’s very kind of you.”

“Like I said, plenty of room. Shaun, why don’t you and Abby get something to eat?Jeff’s got lots on the grill.”

“That was going to be our next stop,” he says.

“Uh, Sherri, where is Denise by the way?” I ask as I scan the crowd.

“She’s in the pool house, changing into a bikini.”

“But she didn’t bring one,” I feebly reply. Seeing Sherri smile, I add, “Guess you have plenty of those too.”

“Help yourself to one if you feel like a dip.”

“Oh, I feel like a dip, all right,” I mumble.

“Hey, you’re doing fine,” Shaun says. “Let’s get something to eat.”

“Go have fun,” Sherri coaxes.

“Thank you. Again.” I let Shaun lead the way up another level to where the grill is being tended. The delicious aroma of sizzling meat assaults my senses, causing my stomach to growl.Luckily it must not have been loud enough as Shaun makes no comment, but he continues on to what is actually an outdoor kitchen. He introduces me to Jeff, Sherri’s husband, who offers up loaded burgers. No onions on mine, thank you very much.

After a quick conversation, Shaun then grabs an entire container of potato salad and two spoons. “Can never have too much potato salad.” He grins.

“Apparently,” I return with a smile.

We make our way to the opposite end of the deck, getting comfortable on a pair of lounge chairs under a canopy. Sitting in silence for a while, we work our way through the burgers and half the potato salad. Shaun makes another trip to the bar, grabbing four beers.

“Wow. Thirsty much?” I tease.

“Figured I’d save myself some trips. And time.” He winks.

“In getting me drunk?”

“Not at all.” His smile is entirely too smooth. “Besides, Sherri said you could stay the night.”

“Hmmm,” is all I manage.

“Well, maybe none of these are for you. Maybe Iamthirsty. Really thirsty.” His lips turn up in a sexy grin.

I laugh, unable to stop myself. “You have got to stop that.”

“Stop what?”

“Oh, you know.”

“Tell me,” he nearly whispers.

“That. That right there,” I twirl my finger at him, as if I have to emphasize my point.“Mr. Charmer.” I’m feeling the slightest of buzzes from the beers. Just enough to feel a bit daring.

Control was still there if I wanted it. But did I want it?

“Mr. Charmer? You think I’m charming you?”

“I know you are.” I sit forward to reach for a third beer. Maybe I didn’t want it. Control, that is. As for wanting Shaun? Well, I’m not dead. Any woman in her right mind would want him. Wouldn’t they? There’s nothing wrong with him. Is there something wrong with me? Am I reading this all wrong?

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